Elon Musk

By: Walter Isaacson, Walter Isaacson - introduction

Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb

#1 New York Times non-fiction bestseller
#2 Sunday Times non-fiction bestseller

SHORTLISTED FOR THE FINANCIAL TIMES BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD
CHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY APPLE, AMAZON, THE TIMES AND FINANCIAL TIMES

Walter Isaacson’s biography of Elon Musk offers the most intimate, complete and revelatory portrait of the most fascinating and controversial innovator in the world.

For two years, Isaacson had unprecedented access to Musk, his workplaces, his family, friends, coworkers and adversaries – nothing was off-limits.

Musk’s journey from humble beginnings to one of the wealthiest people on the planet is a thrilling, mind-bending story and nobody could tell it better. Filled with amazing tales of triumph and turmoil, and lessons about leadership and business, it ultimately addresses the question everyone wants to ask: why is Elon Musk so successful?

Critic reviews

‘Its portrait of the tech maverick is fascinating. . . a persuasive mixture of alarm and deep admiration'

‘[Isaacson] has done something amazing with the Musk biography which is to write a 688-page quick read’

‘Whatever you think of Mr Musk, he is a man worth understanding – which makes this a book worth reading’

‘A penetrating new biography’

‘A beat-by-beat book that follows the tycoon inside important rooms, as well as exploring obscure regions of his mind’

‘A comprehensive, deeply reported chronicle of the world-shaping tech mogul’s life’

‘An experienced biographer’s comprehensive study’

‘He forms his own conclusions, which are mostly admirably balanced and mature. . . Isaacson, in his quest for a comprehensive audit of the Musk phenomenon, errs slightly on the side of the voyeur in these encounters, but I can’t blame him. It’s quite the spectacle’

‘The book contains a series of illuminating anecdotes about Musk’

'Isaacson offers both an engaging chronicle of his subject’s busy life so far and some compelling answers’

‘The most complete profile of Musk yet’

'There’s not much middle ground on Musk – people love him or hate him – but Isaacson is best positioned to figure out what makes him tick’

‘The resulting book delves deep into the billionaire’s demons, including childhood bullies and a difficult father, and interrogates their relationship to his success’

‘Isaacson deftly handles complicated matters like the development of electric vehicles, rockets and artificial intelligence while also deeply exploring Musk’s background and family’

‘This fast-paced biography. . . [is] a head-spinning tale about a vain, brilliant, sometimes cruel figure whose ambitions are actively shaping the future of human life' (Ron Charles)

‘Everything you'd expect from a book on Musk. . . While the stories are fascinating and guaranteed to spark a mountain of coverage, founders and entrepreneurs will also unearth valuable lessons’

‘The book is bursting with stories. . . A deeply engrossing tale of a spectacular American innovator’

‘Walter Isaacson’s intimate account of a tech titan’

‘this biography of Elon Musk is still fascinating. How could it not be? . . . He has spoken to practically everybody’

‘a highly readable portrait of a very unusual personality. . . It is a considerable achievement on Isaacson’s part to have persuaded this reviewer. . . to adopt a more sympathetic view of Musk and set aside much of the familiar media caricature of him.’

‘Described by the FT as a “688-page quick read” for the TikTok generation, Isaacson’s biography of the South African entrepreneur races along at bone-rattling speed. That certainly makes for an entertaining exploration of Musk the celebrity’

Entertaining and insightful

An entertaining and insightful look into one of the most influential, provocative and controversial person alive in this age and time. Well written, gripping and engaging story telling.

Great balance

It is great to hear the good, and the bad or areas of opportunities from this Genius. Which despite the bad, a lot of employees admire him, and a lot of people will still want to work with him like me.

Inspiring

Full of tons of lessons about life, choices and wealth. Highly recommended for anyone looking for more from life

Great Book

I really enjoyed the book about the man behind such successful companies. He is an absolute genius. This book should become a must read for high school students. It will teach them that to be different is not an excuse to not thrive. That you have to work harder than anybody else. To take risks is essential for success. Failure is necessary for progress. And always question the rules.

Excellent storytelling

This is clearly the story of a rabid narcissist who, with all his faults has made some truly amazing achievements but unfortunately, and unnecessarily, at the expense of many people’s hopes and dreams. Despite his maniacal attention to detail and deep knowledge of the subject matter of his many companies, he could not have achieved anything without the sacrifices made by the many heroes who worked for him over the years, most of whom barely got a mention or praise from Elon except his family members. These types of leaders and their leadership style is a sad indictment on the state of American corporate governance and sound management.